The soft sands of the “Mexican Riviera” stretch about 200 miles along the Pacific Ocean. They line the coastal state of Nayarit, a compact region with a mix of tropical and adventure recreation that’s increasingly made it one of Mexico’s top destinations.

To keep up with rising visitor numbers, local officials and tourism partners have dedicated efforts to conservation that’s earned the very first “Clean Tourism Destination” designation by the country’s environmental ministry. The newly bestowed title reflects Riviera Nayarit’s measures to safely manage water and waste, maintain urban systems, protect wildlife and natural resources, and certify its clean beaches.

It’s a significant designation for an area that balances the needs of both locals and visitors who enjoy the state’s beach towns, fishing villages, and all-inclusive resorts. But more than that, it also means that travelers can escape for a tropical getaway here with a clean conscience.

Photo Courtesy Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sayulita

A short drive from the Nuevo Vallarta resort district is the picturesque town of Sayulita. Years ago this village was a simple home to fishermen, and drew Bohemian travelers to its quiet beaches. It’s still small, but Sayulita now has better infrastructure, restaurants, and accommodations to handle the tourist influx.

Photo Courtesy Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sayulita

That’s good news, because Sayulita is just as colorful as ever. You can stroll its town square, browse for handmade souvenirs, check out the Friday market, or duck into indie boutiques for original jewelry, art, and housewares. Accommodations run the gamut here from condos to hostels to bed and breakfasts, as well as suites or bungalows in larger inns like Hotel Playa Escondido. The fresh-caught seafood can’t be beat, and food stalls like El Ivan on Calle Revolucion are reliably delicious. Or just settle your toes in the sand for waterfront dining at family-owned Don Pedro’s Restaurant & Bar.

Photo Courtesy Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Punta Mita

On the northern point of Nayarit’s crescent-shaped Banderas Bay is Punta Mita. It’s a tropical hotspot for celebrities like Demi Moore and Orlando Bloom, thanks to luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons and St. Regis

Photo Courtesy Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Punta Mita

But, for many travelers, Punta Mita is the embarkation point for boat tours to the Marietas Islands for snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and whale watching. The flora and fauna on the Marietas and the larger Marías Islands earned them designations as UNESCO biosphere reserves, so try an eco-conscious local company like Punta Mita Adventures to pick the perfect nature tour.

Photo Courtesy Riviera Nayarit Convention & Visitors Bureau

Where the Wildlife Thrive

Travelers curious about some of Nayarit’s wildlife will find rich habitats both on the coast and in the forested inland areas. In the bay, the sea turtles, Manta Rays, birds, dolphins, and other marine life around the Marietas Islands enchanted Jacques Cousteau—inspiring his advocacy decades ago and ultimately winning their national-park designation. In the forested Sierra, there’s also a dedicated effort to protect diminishing populations of jaguars and their oak-pine habitats.

Relaxing on one of Riviera Nayarit’s 12 certified-clean beaches, or getting active with a marine safari or an eco-adventure tour in the wilderness may make you feel a bit like a tourist—but you’re in the perfect corner of Mexico to be just that, responsibly.